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Cozy Spiced Apple Cider Margarita: The Best Fall Cocktail

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A warm and comforting fall cocktail that combines apple cider, warm spices, and tequila for a perfectly balanced drink. This cozy spiced apple cider margarita is quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and is perfect for fall gatherings or a quiet evening at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ounces (120 ml) apple cider
  • 2 ounces (60 ml) silver tequila
  • 1 ounce (30 ml) orange liqueur (triple sec or Cointreau)
  • 1 ounce (30 ml) fresh lime juice
  • 2 small or 1 large whole cinnamon sticks
  • 3 to 4 whole cloves
  • 1 star anise pod (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Ice
  • Apple slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan, combine 4 ounces apple cider with 2 small cinnamon sticks, 3 to 4 whole cloves, and 1 star anise pod if using. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until fragrant. Turn off heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer and discard the whole spices.
  2. While the cider cools, mix 2 tablespoons granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon on a small plate. Run a lime wedge around the rim of a rocks glass, then dip the rim into the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat evenly. Tap off excess.
  3. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add the strained spiced cider, 2 ounces silver tequila, 1 ounce orange liqueur, and 1 ounce fresh lime juice.
  4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds until the shaker feels cold.
  5. Fill the prepared glass with fresh ice. Strain the margarita into the glass, leaving the ice from the shaker behind.
  6. Garnish with a thin slice of fresh apple and a small cinnamon stick. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, omit tequila and orange liqueur and replace with sparkling apple cider or ginger beer. The spiced cider can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Use fresh lime juice for best results; bottled lime juice will ruin the flavor. Whole spices are essential—do not substitute with ground spices as they will leave a gritty texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider margarita, fall cocktail, spiced margarita, cozy drink, apple cider, tequila cocktail, autumn drink

Find it online: https://evabake.com/cozy-spiced-apple-cider-margarita-the-best-fall-cocktail/